Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez said he’d like to let his players know who’s going to be on their postseason roster by the time they hold their work-out on Tuesday, and possibly as early as Sunday morning before their regular season finale against the Phillies. He gave an idea of how the Braves were leaning on a couple of those roster decisions Friday, when asked if both Dan Uggla and B.J. Upton would be on the postseason roster.
“Unless something crazy happens, yeah,” Gonzalez said. “I think so.”
Both Uggla and Upton are hitting in the .180s and have spent more time on the bench lately than not. But Uggla is their most experienced defensive second baseman and could either start or back up Elliot Johnson.
With Jason Heyward playing primarily in center field and Evan Gattis in left, B.J. Upton’s playing time has been limited and that would likely continue into the postseason. But with a short series – a best-of-five – and two off days if the series goes to five games, the Braves could carry 10 or 11 pitchers, which would allow room on the roster for both Uggla and Upton.
Another question the Braves need answered is what to do with reliever Jordan Walden. He’s pitched only three times since missing three weeks with a groin injury, and he’s continued to have problems with lingering shoulder soreness. Walden has allowed five earned runs and two home runs in 2 2/3 innings over those three appearances.
“Missing a lot of time and then getting on my shoulder a lot and then just trying to get the release point, get everything back,” Walden said.
“I just need to make sure everything is good.”
Walden was scheduled to throw a bullpen session on Friday and could appear in a game before the weekend series against the Phillies is out. If he’s not ready, the Braves could send him to Lake Buena Vista, Fla. to get in an inning or two in instructional league early next week.
“He’s got to pitch,” Gonzalez said. “It’s not fair for him, No. 1, if he doesn’t know whether he can compete at this level. And it’s not fair for the other 24 guys. We need to see him pitch.”
